Reviews (72)

Glory Bee · 6 February 2012 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

Stunningly beautiful and heartfelt Bodkin. You are such a brilliant writer.

ana · 8 March 2011 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

I love this. You write so well, with such great talent. I've always been fascinated with Elrond and his life so full of tragedies, the poor guy never seemed to catch a break. I admit I was not very impressed when I read the first time (or indeed on subsequent readings) about Elwig abandoning the children for the Silmaril, but you managed to explain their point of view in a way that truly made me forgive her for the first time. So thank you, I really love Elrond and his children and I'm glad I don't have to be disappointed with his parents any more. Another reviewer said how the Valar don't really appear all that sympathetically, and frankly I always believed so. All through the Silmarilion, all through the Lord of the Rings, I pretty much resented the Valar, and I never could understand how anybody is oh so very in awe of their "benevolence". And not just about elves, although at times they pretty much screwed them as well, but mostly about humans. Weren't the Valar supposed to have been sent by Eru Iluvatar to take care of his children? Aren't we, humans, his children as well? They only liked the elves cause they were pretty, but never ever bothered to look at their other charges. They completely abandoned humans, never taught them anything, never gifted them anything, practically they never gave a shit humans were in pain. They were fine and well, surrounded by the beautiful elves, whom they loved, in a remote and beautiful haven, and the hell with the younger children, let them rot and be devoured by evil and filth for ever, just because they're not pretty enough. I pretty much hate them, basically. They are like the worst kind of racist creeps, especially as they're supposedly godlike. Sorry for ranting about it here, it's just that reading about Earendil's plea, and how cavalier they were about it, and even their most compassionate help only extended to their darling pretty elves, never to humans. I really love your story though.

Lilandriel · 11 December 2008 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

*sighs* it doesn't matter how many times i read this, i still think ths story is truely awesome. xx

Lilandriel · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 10: Before the Valar

I just had to review. this chapter was so powerful, so totally awesome. i cried. twice! at the end there when Earendil tells that Arwen now blows kises to the Star of High Hope with her son in her arms, as her father did with her an Age before, and to know that there would be no reunion... it was heartbreaking. And the two mothers sharing such a terrible grief. you create such incredible, powerful images. not only have i cried, i've laughed, and at unexpected times too! the halls of the Valar... how do you describe something that is beyond description? beyond the scope of mortal words and comprehension? you've done it beautifully that Elwing and Earendil found peace and healing among Olwes' people, and then Celebrian countless years later- a testimony to not only the unchangingness of the Elves, but of the eternal compassion and kindness of the Teleri. you know, you've written it in such a way that it makes me so angry with the Valar? it's not their intent, but they seem so cold and indifferent at times. that bit where Earendil contemplates that the Valar withheld their aid because they were waiting for an apology!? so many who have suffered and died beneath the shadow of a fallen Vala? (singular; Vala? not sure) grr! what a fantastic piece of emotive work. there is so much i want to say. i don't have the words for it all. it's superb. utterly stunning. you don't write professionally, do you? if not, you should really consider taking it up. all the way through, this story has been consistently brilliant. i don't want it to end!! xx

Imhiriel · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

This is a marvellous story! You have breathed life in the beautiful but somewhat spare account of Eärendil's life and adventures. And your Eärendil is truly wonderful: his behaviour rings utterly true, his shyness and awkwardness in dealing with other people - not to speak of with his own son - seems so realistic. I love Elrond's insight that both his parents were so young when all those live-changing events (wedding, parenthood, Kinslaying, seeking for Aman) happened; scarcely older than him, and certainly incredibly young for Elves. And Elrond had all those 6000 years of experience of dealing with family and other people. And Eärendil is so honest and... nice... and humble, not at all conceited or arrogant about his lineage or achievements. One can certainly understand why even the Valar thought he was someone special! Which makes his and Elwing's sacrifices (and you make it very clear they were sacrifices) that much more heartbreaking.

paranoidangel · 24 August 2005 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

I've only just got round to finishing this. I really enjoyed hearing about the lives of Earendil and Elwing. And it's so nice to see Elrond interacting with his family.

perelleth · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

See, I had given up reading this because I tended to get lost in minor details that did not entirely fit in my own Universe and could not get a hold of the story, so I decided to save it up for when it was ended and read it as a whole. It is an interesting challenge you undertook here, Bodkin, and IMHO you more than succeeded. There are many things that I like, how you woved in the Elessar, Tuor and Idril and the story of the sleeper in the tower, the story of the making of Vingilot, Eärendil's plea in front of the Valar...It is curious that Eärendil had been in Tolkien's mind from the very beginning and he never gor down to wholly flesh him out... I kind of felt like Elrond, Eärendil might be real yet distant. And at the end, he still is, but in a different way. I mean, there's no way to feel close to a person who becomes a star, but you can come to understand his life path better when it is recounted with such detail. And the epilogue is masterfully done, in the way that it ties up everything beautifully and meaningfully. Elrond's words about his family and sacrifice made me think of a verse from an italian poet I very much like: "Ocorrono tante vite per farne una", which more or less means "So many lives are needed to make up another life.." in the sense that from Finwé's weakness, to Fingolfin's faithfulness to his own oath and his people, to Turgon's wisdom, to Idril's great heart, all of them were needed with their strengths and their failures to eventually come to Eärendil the blessed who would carry the plea that would be heeded. So congratulations for a great story, and thanks for sharing. It was a very much needed attempt at recounting, and having Elrond enjoy these moments with his parents was the best way of doing it, I believe. I did have a great time!

Bejai · 13 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

Sorry it took me so long to review this. Had to fly away for a funeral this weekend, and although I read the chapter a few days ago, I didn't have it in me to review. And this chapter and story certainly deserve it! What a wonderful story this has been! I love all your Valinor stories, and am delighted you worked Eärendil and Elwing into your version of it! Very much enjoyed your telling of their first age adventures and tragedies as well. How wonderful that Gil Estel brought E2 hope enough to make it home to their mom and dad! Ah, poor Maglor. Of all the Feanorions, he's the only one I feel for. I think he could find forgiveness and healing, if he'd just let himself. Loved the little elven get-together. And that Tuor and Idril were out wandering around. If you're taking requests, I wouldn't mind seeing a story of some sort from their POV. There just aren't enough Tuor and Idril stories in the world! (While I'm asking -- I'd also to see more of that C&G wandering around in the mountains story, and Oropher walking in on his son. I'm shameless, I know ;) ) Great story, Bodkin, and I eagerly look forward to more of your kind gifts to us, from your skilled pen.

Redheredh · 12 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

A perfect ending - the family is together again :) They did not go by sea?! I thought they had, but great that you put that in here. Now, I wonder at what kind of aircraft it was! It does add a lot to the thrill of their passage west. As do the related encounters with Maglor. "...in their darkest hour..." "...It is a link..." "...Between what was and what will be. Just as we are." "We are a bridge across a ravine..." "...and it leads home." They were made to make a difference. They are bearers of splintered Light. An awesome thing to realize and to be. "And, for now, this would be enough. He would continue to hold the faith...trust that, one day...all reunions would be complete." I hope everyone has that faith. Thank you for telling a story that articulates hope, besides service and sacrifice, so beautifully. This was a fantastic and evocative rendition of Earendil's adventurous voyages as well as being a soulful journey. The beautiful writing and expressive story-telling as wonderful to experience as the events themselves. Thanks for writing and sharing this tale with us. Just perfect.

elliska · 12 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

Oh I will definitely mourn this one now that it is finished but it was so wonderful. I love finishing it with Elladan and Elrohir following Gil-Estel to Elvenhome to finally meet the daeradar they never met. And, as Elrond said, equally important was Eärendil's reunion with the twins that he had watched for so long. I like how you portrayed the twins here. I think they would be completely awestruck--how could they not. And it is dear to imagine that there is still something that will awe these accomplished, elf lords and warriors. And I liked this: Ulmo’s voice is strong in the waters of the world even now.’ Eärendil blinked. ‘Did you not realise?’ So characteristic an observation for the mariner to make and to me it tied everything back to the beginning of the story when Eärendil is still in Middle Earth and so drawn to Ulmo and his domain. And I am glad you included Maglor here. Poor fellow. I'm glad here is in ME trying to redeem himself. I hope he will feel redemption eventually. And the ending was perfect--a wonderful interpretation of the importance of Eärendil and Elrond's family and their role in Arda. Loved it! This is simply a wonderful story. Now I shall go read it again in one piece.

daw the minstrel · 12 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

This was what made his family special. This – service and sacrifice That ties this all together so nicely. And it rings true to me. I'm glad you had the twins arrive, even though Tolkien tells us no one knew what they chose to do. Poor Elrond needs them. His realization of how much they resemble Earendil was interesting. When I think back over your characterization of the Mariner, I can see that. And I liked the glimpses of Maglor, who's always seemed to me to be even more tragic than the rest of Feanor's sons. He was caught up in something he didn't start, and he tried to be decent, but the curse of the Valar was just too much. I also like the faith that they'll all be with Arwen in the end.

Jay of Lasgalen · 12 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Epilogue

How wonderful for Elrond (and where's Celebrían?) to be reunited with his sons. They seem so diminished though, by their final years on Middle-Earth. E2 here seem a long way away from the elves of 'Reflections' - though I know earlier chapters refered to this fading. And some of Elrond's memories are so sad: 'dead-eyed warriors, interested in nothing but slaughter, shielded behind a mask of adamant.' It's chilling, but exactly how I imagine the twins in the years after their mother's attack. Great ending to a great story! Jay

elliska · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 11: Reconciliation

I love Eärendil and Elrond's reaction as they prepare to share a journey on Vingilot. Poor Elrond--I honestly think I'm with him. I love sailing (as long as someone else is in control of the boat) but sailing on the sky would be right out for me. :-) But I'm glad he got to see his father at its helm and I liked how you portrayed him as a different person there. He would be. Well done. Another thing that struck me here that I enjoyed was the memory of the War of Wrath. That is something rarely shown and I like it everytime I get to see a glimpse. I especially liked here the change in the elves when they returned--that was very sad. It makes you aware,’ he said finally, in an attempt to pass on an understanding that it had taken him millennia to develop, ‘that this is only a small part of Elu’s whole. Even the elves, who will live as long as the world exists, are part of this bigger entirety – and our divisions are not for ever.’ ‘Perhaps not,’ Elrond mused, ‘although that is little consolation.’ There are so many levels to this interchange as the chapter goes on to show. Between Elrond and his father, and Elrond and his wife, the separation has finally ended. Between Elrond and his daughter, it has really just begun and he has suffered the loss of his brother for millennia. That was really well done the way you showed that. As you very well know, I love exploring the character's emotions and I thought you did an excellent job showing Elrond's feelings after the loss of his father and brother (and even Maglor) and his interaction with Gil-galad. (‘And that circlet that you say is remarkably over-provided with sharp corners considering that it is round. And council meetings.’ --Love the little inserts of humour!) And then you bring that conversation back around at the end with Elrond saying he is 'content' for her--that is really sadder than grief, isn't it. It's easier to grieve or be angry. It's harder to realize what's done is right even though it hurts. And I really loved how you handled Elrond's desire to find / see / hold hope for Maglor and Eärendil’s response to that. I honestly think this is the best canon gap filler I have read--certainly so for the Silmarillion. I absolutely adored this and I'm sorry to see it end. Great job, Bodkin!

Redheredh · 4 June 2005 · Chapter 11: Reconciliation

I liked how this chapter wrapped up some vague things in very practical ways. But then I would. ;) Elwing's tower being an outpost until other elves were attracted to come there was very interesting. Surely, Elwing herself was what attracted the first visitors. Greenland got colonized faster, but then there was a PR campaign to settle there and not Teleri word-of-mouth. Which when you consider it, probably was just as affective. Elrond wondering about Maglor with the following discussion of his personality and morals was touching. You make a case for ending his torment. However, Earendil says it best - "It may take some while." I really like the thought of the Noldor going forth from Aman to free their kin from bondage. I took that to mean their oath and not just Morgoth's grip on their lives. The Valar may have had designs on the Simarils, but did any of the Host, even the Vanyar? I like to think Morgoth was their only target. Acknowledging that war changed the inexperienced Amanyar and how was well described. It brings up questions about how those that were reborn after the experience handled it and how the people welcomed them back. Did time in Mando alleviate the effect? The resulting isolationism is a familiar declaration that never lasts in our reality, not even for Switzerland. It will take bending the world to make it feasible for the Amanyar. Nice reference to the fear of being left out again - doubly forsaken - to describe the surge of ME elves sailing to Aman. After the war with Sauron too. It certainly made it easier for edain to colonize the mainland later. Ah, that delightful time-folding thing again. Just so Earendil could get away once in awhile. That was a nice thing to do for him and Elwing too. ;) On the closing matter of heroes and husbands - Once again, Earendil puts something important in perspective: "...being a son or a husband or an adar. That is, indeed, a matter for joy." And as usual, Elrond puts some common sense into the subject: "- and it is time to be a family." Then you had that very sweet closing line to this chapter and essentially this story. Thanks, this was a wonderful voyage. And I anxiously await an epilogue.

daw the minstrel · 4 June 2005 · Chapter 11: Reconciliation

You take up a lot of questions here that I had never even considered. My experience is that that's one of the things that happens when you try to work out the details that Tolkien left unfinished. Questions pop up all over the place. How odd it must have been for the Exiles to try to reassimilate. That's one of the things I had never considered.

lwarren · 4 June 2005 · Chapter 10: Before the Valar

What a wonderful chapter! I've just looked at the clock and it's 1:00 in the morning! No wonder I'm cross-eyed! I just wanted to say this was great and I will review it in more detail in the morning (er...later this morning!) LOL linda

lwarren · 4 June 2005 · Chapter 9: Forbidden Shores

Free at last, and finally recovered enough to put two consecutive thoughts together that make a little bit of sense! :-) *wails loudly* I am so far behind in reviewing, tho'! I thought to start here and review the last two chapters of Earendil's Tale - oh, yes, Bodkin, I have been reading...just too swamped to review! This chapter was FULL of wonderful lines and images. I love the pictures you paint, Bodkin...starting with that desperate effort to return to Sirion and take revenge on the Kinslayers! How tragic and terrible to the crew must have been the news Elwing brought...and how much worse for them that Ulmo would not let them return to their families! (I liked how Elrond felt better knowing his father had at least tried to come back for him and his brother!) But I suppose my favorite part came when Voronwe told Earendil that loyalty to one's liege lord did not excuse the killings. He was right, too - better to be foresworn than to commit some atrocity which totally goes against your own values. I've always wondered how those following the sons of Feanor were able to stand what was happening? Were they so seduced/dazzled by the promise of the Silmarils that they lost every value they ever believed in? It's a mystery to me... The trip to the shores of Valinor...the walk into Tirion only to find it empty (a festival, of all things!)...and finally being met and taken to the Valar was all so well done. I love how the light of the Silmaril had become a part of Earendil...and how it all played a part in his ultimate request to the Valar for aid. Just a wonderful chapter, Bodkin! linda

Redheredh · 30 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Before the Valar

..."Valinor is not what you expect," Elwing said softely. "It is not an end, but a beginning. Your existence stops and shifts and begins again." "But there is no going back."... Not after the ban anyway nor later after the world was reshaped. Still, sounds alot like being 'reborn'. Maybe 'healing' is not so diffrent. With the 'beings that needed no halls', you made me think of how Yaweh appeared to the Chosen People. In a form that they could understand yet be sheilded from His absolute awe. Shadows on the wall of a primative creature's mental cave, only hinting at their true shapes within the blinding Light. Then, there is that moment Earendil hands over the jewel to Yavanna and apologizes for Beren and Luthien not getting the other two. What a hobbit moment! 'Course, this Lady is not like that other one. Thank goodness. But, once again the elemental power is recognized and there is an acknowledgement that the moral judgment on how to use it resides the hands of sentient beings with motives of their own. Time does flow differently in different places and circumstance - especially for the Valar and Eldar as compared to Men - and you have used that very well in this entire tale. The benevolance of the Valar was well done too. Earendil's and Elwing's humble obedience is virtuous instead of being manipulated under false pretenses of concern about the fate of Arda or from a simple arrogance as the greatest beings in Arda. It has been interesting to see Earendil sanctified by the Simaril's light. Changed in spirit, but not changed in heart. You make me think he would have always been a good, dedicated person essentially like Voronwe or Finrod. And never like Turgon or Fingolfin. Like Frodo and Faramir, not Boromir or Denethor. The ending reminded me that this is Memorial Day and of all the families whose tradition of service over their genereations have burdened them with the loss of their beloved children. I wish I could have reviewed this chapter earlier then today. But, RL being what it is and with my slow writing pace... I sometimes think time runs differently around me too. You hares are zipping past by me like bmws on the freeway. ;) Anyway, another great, wonderfully written, chapter. I look forward to the next - and a happy ending.

elliska · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Before the Valar

I know this sound less powerful since I say it every chapter, but I sincerely mean it--this is absolutely wonderful. The way you describe the Valar in this (and your description in general) is pure poetry of which I am truly jealous. Some favorite lines: I could not believe that it would do my cause any good if I were to fall on my face before them and gibber incoherently. for the humour of it. ‘I felt like a sparrow confronted by eagles. Outranked, outmatched, outshone, outdone.’ What a perfect simile. I loved it. They were – he hesitated – the halls of beings that needed no halls. Simple and so powerful. I loved the portrayal of Eärendil making his plea--the way you showed his emotions was wonderful. That was it--loved that--too true and well done. And of course I loved seeing him turn over the Simaril. He had to, I think, and I liked how you made it happen. And, though I am hard pressed to name a favorite part, it might be Elwing's description of her time with the Teleri. I like the idea of her telling Olwe about his brother (the good parts, especially). I'm happy to know that he got to hear it and I liked the idea that they found healing there and later Celebrian did. How pathetic is it that I cried at the part where they chose their fates and learned that their sons were still alive to be offered the choice too? I loved the description of Vingilot and Eärendil initially thinking it would not be as satisfying as the open sea and Elwing thinking it more beautiful than the sun and moon. But of course the part I liked the best was the vision of Elrond with his sons, watching it each night and Eärendil watching them back. Needless to say, I cried again when I read that Arwen looks at Eärendil with Eldarion. That is too tragic, as you showed, because there is no hope of a reunion there. If anything shows the difficulty of the choice--the fact that it is not a gift but a doom--it is that image. So sad. But hopeful too. At least Arwen and her children do have that connection. Really well done, Bodkin! I love this story!

Elena Tiriel · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Before the Valar

I am truly enjoying this story, Bodkin. I like how you work out how the characters must be feeling and thinking - like Eärendil being willing to give up the Silmaril - when Tolkien just didn't give us much information on their interior life. - Barbara

Elvenesse · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Before the Valar

I'd never thought of that before; but I like the idea of Elwing and Celebrian being together, mourning the children they may never see again. The same of Elrond and Eärendil - father and son both losing a child to mortality. *ouch* I very much like the way you portray the Valar: great and powerful, but definitely not human. I have real trouble with them - I hate the way they abandon Men, and Middle-earth, and the exiles. I suppose the way they measure time is to the elves as the elves' measurement of time is to men. So maybe it is simply that those three Ages are almost nothing to them. I like the idea that Eärendil can see Arwen and the line of Kings to come.

daw the minstrel · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Before the Valar

It's interesting to see the parallel between the Silmarils and the Ring of Power, both of which apparently took hold in the bearer's heart and became hard to surrender. Lovely moment at the end between the two mothers whose children are lost to them. The Valar look both kind and unfathomable, maybe even capricious by human standards, but then, I guess that's too bad for us.

Redheredh · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 9: Forbidden Shores

I have just now finished reading this chapter. And I will probably read it again after I post this. But, where to start with a review? Oh dear, I know it is a disgraceful cop-out but I always like what elliska has to say and how eloquently she says it. I find myself nodding and saying 'Yes, brilliantly said!'. There are a only a few other things that I'll add to her remarks on this chapter. Voronwe is wonderful as usual. Your writing is wonderful as usual. Your telling of this story continues to be wonderful - as usual. You brought out a greater wonder for the Silmaril in me as you described its changing, increasing light. There was one question raised along with all those of love, sacrifice, justice and revenge I particularly liked. Elrond asks whether the Noldor noticed the difference between Aman and Beleriand. He ponders asking Galadriel and how she might answer him. I loved this being in juxaposition to Celebrian asking Earendil how it felt to become Calaquendi. His answer makes me think the same sort of thing happened with the Noldor Calaquendi's slow dissipation. No one noticed the change in themselves for a long time. "And if they have the courage to challange Morgoth for the other two jewels, then we can hope that his revenge on them will be long-drawn-out and unpleasant." Aerandir makes a good doomsman too. Another great part in a marvelous whole.

Ellie · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 9: Forbidden Shores

This was excellent! Very full of emotion and very well written. Especailly loved the bit about Elrond secretly being glad that his ada abandoned the fate of Arda to try to save him. Can't wait for more!

elliska · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 9: Forbidden Shores

I had to go back and reread Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath before I left a review. Bodkin this is so incredibly good. In truth, that chapter of the Silm (like too many others) is really just an outine--what you've done to flesh it out really makes it so much better. I read this and reread the chap, as I said, and the Silm really looks very pitiful now compared to this. Here is where the way you have done this--having Eärendil tell this tale to Elrond and Celebrian--really pays off. I felt so good for poor Elrond when he learns that Eärendil turned back for him. All the effort he had certainly made to justify his father's absence was now no longer necessary. I so loved that. And I loved the discussion on the ship--especially the part where they discuss why the Silm came to him. Use it well, my lord loved that. And the advice that he be willing to give it up--I remember reading somewhere (one of the letters maybe, I can't think of it right now) Tolkien saying that was exactly the problem--unwillingness to give things up, the evil of hoarding somthing for oneself at the expense of others as opposed to fellowship and being willing to sacrifice for others. That theme was even in the Silm. and you portrayed it really well in that dialogue. ‘No loyalty to liege lord excuses what happened at Alqualondë. What happened in Doriath – in Sirion. There are times when each must make a stand, even should it be at the cost of his own life. Better to be foresworn and offer yourself to your lord’s vengeance than do what you know is wrong.’ That was one of my favorite lines--so true and written with such wonderful language. But as I said earlier the part of this that amazed me the most was the part that is most directly from the Silm--when they land, leave the ship and Eärendil goes to seek the Valar--that was just so well written. You used some of the dialogue from the Silm and took the two or three sentences Tolkien wrote outside the dialogue (And he went up alone into the land, and came into the Calacirya, and it seemed to him empty and silent; for even as Morgoth and Ungoliant came in ages past, so now Eärendil had come at a time of festival, and wellnigh all the Elvenfolk were gone to Valimar, or were gathered in the halls of Manwë upon Taniquetil, and few were left to keep watch upon the walls of Tirion. not much there) and made them really come to life. I won't be able to read this part of the Silm again without imagining it the way you described it. And then I read the last line and I just groaned. You and your subtle and just frustrating little cliffhangers that you seem to be getting so good at recently. I am really dying to hear the answer to that question. You have really done an incredible job with this whole thing--taking the outline Tolkien put in the Silm and really making it come to life. This is one of the best 'gap fillers' that I have ever read. It's really more than a gap filler because it tells a story about which Tolkien only wrote a few lines. I just love it.